An alligator-nesting area is seen blocked off with caution tape and barricades Thursday at Cypress Lake on UL's campus. By Leslie Westbrook July 11, 2013

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A territorial mother alligator has forced the temporary closure of an area surrounding Cypress Lake on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus.

Barricades are in place around the lake after the alligator began building a nest. Whether the barricades are meant to protect the alligator or passers-by is the question.

"Mother alligators are very protective of their nest, but they will only attack if provoked," said Joey Pons, director of environmental health and safety on the UL campus. "The barricades are there to make sure people can observe this unique experience without putting ...